Scottish bacteriologist (1881–1955) who shared the 1945 Nobel Prize in Medicine for his role in the discovery and isolation of penicillin. ALS, one page, 5.5 x 7.75, November 9, 1951. This letter represents Fleming’s entry in the famous autograph album belonging to photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt. Penned immediately following a several hour sitting which would later result in Eisenstaedt’s production of one of the scientist’s best-known portraits, Fleming complains in jest: “I have suffered but now the ordeal is over. I can only hope that the results justify the time and trouble spent. It seems to me that bacteriology is easier than photography.” Some light wrinkling and edge creasing, and a small notation to top right corner, otherwise fine condition.
Fleming published many articles on bacteriology and was an antibiotics pioneer; Eisenstaedt was a German-born American photojournalist whose work appeared on more than 90 Life covers. The “ordeal” Fleming writes of was no doubt his 1951 photography session with Eisenstaedt. The photographer captured Fleming in the lab—perhaps the most well-known image is that of Fleming carefully studying an upheld petri dish—and “the results” of this session were included in his “Portfolio of Famous Britons” which appeared in the January 14, 1952 issue of Life magazine. Excellent association between two leaders in their respective fields, with a little self-deprecating humor for good measure. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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